Kristian Garic

Kristian: Flip a coin on Graham deal, according to Mortensen

by Kristian Garic,posted Jul 12 2014 2:02PM

The second biggest decision of the summer might be on the way - or it might not. Now that we know where Lebron James is going, what about Jimmy Graham and the Saints working out a deal before the July 15th deadline? "It's 50/50 at best - I'm actually going to be a little surprised if they do it. But I do know through experience that deadlines make people move," ESPN's Chris Mortensen told me.

Mortensen wouldn't speculate on what the details might look like on a Graham/Saints deal when (and if) it comes in. "It's about guaranteed money, Gronkowski did not get a good contract. Nobody should use that as a comparison. Tell me what the guaranteed money is," Mortensen explained.

New England Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski inked a contract extension two years ago worth $54 million dollars over 6 years. Gronkowski was given an $8 million dollar signing bonus in that deal, and a $13.1 million in guaranteed cash. Gronkowski's deal with New England averages out to $9 million per season.

Graham and the Saints have talked about a $9.5 million dollar per year average early in the spring. As I've said before, if the Saints can promise Graham $28 million in up-front cash in the first three seasons, the deal gets done.

Hold your breath just a little longer. I think it's better than 50/50 chance that a deal gets done by the deadline on Tuesday.